Chapter 131: Spark Parasitism
"Is this really okay? Even though this guy doesn't have a Spark inside him, it's said that The Fallen implanted him with a high-intelligence chip. If we parasitize the Spark, won't the chip resist? And if The Fallen notices, won't everything be exposed?"
That was Red Spider's concern. There were many similar robots on Cybertron whose intelligent chips were extremely sensitive to outside interference. Therefore, he had every reason to believe that this Fallen was using the same strategy. Of course, this particular subject hadn't been on Cybertron for long, so his methods might not be as refined as those of a professional.
"Heh, an intelligent chip? Host, you probably don't know my true form, do you? Among all Cybertron's core chips, my power ranks in the top three. This kind of control chip is no problem for me—I can decode it in a minute."
Indeed, the reason the Transformer system was so powerful was because of the magic of its core chip. Unless the founder of Cybertron himself—or that legendary being of power—appeared in person, there was no high-level chip in the entire machine civilization that this system leader couldn't handle.
"Ha ha, how could I forget that advantage? Then I'll leave everything in your hands, System Chief. But can you control the Spark? I mean, if we abandon The Fallen, can we still use this chimera to gather information?"
"No problem. As long as we successfully implant the Spark into this creature—or into its body—and then simulate and block the signal of that intelligent chip, even if the body is completely dismantled, no flaw will be found unless the chip is destroyed and its contents examined."
It turned out to be a form of advanced implantation technology—directly implanting the partially consumed Spark, nurtured inside the spider, into that chip, replacing all of its original functions. This was the countermeasure devised by the Transformer system.
Whether from intuition or because its transformable body was damaged, the mechanical chimera trembled like a cow or sheep about to be slaughtered, a deep fear showing in its eyes.
"Don't look at me like that—you're making me nervous. My hands shake when I'm nervous, and that could cause unpredictable risks, so I hope you'll cooperate!"
Starscream smiled at the enormous creature lying on the ground before him, then extended his mechanical right hand to a storage device in his chest. A small red switch popped open on the cover; pressing it revealed a blue orb radiating a mysterious energy inside the compartment.
It was the damaged Spark he had obtained from The Fallen. Thanks to Starscream's care, at least its outer appearance had been restored. The surface of the Spark reflected the chimera's crimson eyes in its glow.
"Coo-coo-coo!"
Whether from fear or excitement, when the Spark appeared before the mechanical chimera, it flapped its wings weakly a few times and managed to utter a few garbled syllables.
"Don't rush, don't panic. I'm just going to perform a little surgery. Anyway, we Transformers don't have pain-sensitive circuits, so I'll do my best to rewire your internals!"
The super-chip controlling the chimera was stored in its brain, so Starscream had to remove the outer armor on the creature's forehead, then locate the chip through the dense web of data cables and oil pipes. Next, he carefully cut a small piece of the metal plating surrounding the chip and positioned it perfectly.
It was a precision operation. Even if an Autobot medic arrived, they wouldn't dare to be fully confident. Yet under the guidance of the Transformer System, Starscream worked like a born artist—his tools brushing right along the circuit board—completing the adjustment and perfectly setting the tiny piece of metal around the chip. Even with a magnifying lens, The Fallen himself wouldn't have spotted a single flaw.
After completing the series of tasks, the mechanical chimera—now with its Spark ignited—enthusiastically began to transform. However, its transformation process was even rougher than Starscream's. Once complete, several parts fell scattered across the floor.
"Storm Chimera, transform!"
Whoa—every prehistoric beast dreams of becoming part of the crew!
"Are you asking for trouble? What if you explode transforming like that? Luckily, I didn't hit any vital spots. Now, report your status!"
Starscream was speechless, staring at the huge creature, now smoking from several points after its transformation. Fortunately, because of those broken parts, Starscream was able to find replacements in his own inventory. Though he couldn't restore the creature to full function, he could at least patch every obvious hole.
"Storm Chimera greets Your Excellency. Thank you, Lord Starscream, for your mercy. Not only did you spare me from total destruction, but you also granted me the ability to transform. I am willing to follow you forever!"
Excellent. Now that all its systems were connected through the Spark implanted in the chip, Storm Chimera's life was practically bound to Starscream's will. With a single thought, Starscream could turn the Spark into a superbomb, annihilating the giant. However, that depended on whether Starscream knew of any betrayal—otherwise, having such a powerful ally was every Transformer warrior's dream.
"Very good. Get used to transforming first. But once I've fully repaired your body, you must calmly return to your original mechanical-chimera form. There must be absolutely no mistakes around those guys. Understood?"
In fact, after giving that command, the Transformer System locked the Spark through internal commands. Without Starscream's permission, it was impossible for Storm Chimera to transform again, even under powerful external interference.
That was a double safeguard.
Although this mechanical chimera was immensely powerful, Starscream had no intention of revealing its true strength easily. It was one of his hidden trump cards—something he would only use in a life-or-death situation.
From now on, Starscream could once again play the role of the foolish, brainless mechanical saber-toothed tiger and continue prowling among The Fallen's ranks.
(End of Chapter)